Klamath Indian Sobriety Queen Named

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

Sobriety Queen Rachel Coss

KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON - Throughout Indian Country, several American Indian tribes and urban communities host sobriety events on New Year's Eve, as an alternative to a night of drinking. The purpose is the show there you can have fun with family and friends without consuming alcohol.

The Klamath Tribes even crowns a Sobriety Queen on New Year's Eve. She reigns for one year.

"I'm not sure how long queens have been honored, but I know it's been well over the 18 years I’ve been here," responded Taylor David, Public Information Manager for the Klamath Tribes to a question from the Native News Network.

“Alcohol is a destroyer of family. I just think if you want a good life, it is best to abstain,”

stated this year's Sobriety Queen Rachel Coss.

This year's winner may not be the typical queen. She is a single working mother and grandmother, with one granddaughter and another grandchild on its way.

"I was really surprised. I had no idea… I just never imagined it would happen to me. It usually is someone who is not married, no children," said Coss. "I think the committee looks to someone who will represent the tribe well."

She is honored to have been chosen to represent her tribe.

"The committee that crowned me wants me to wear the crown at local powwows this year," commented Coss.

Coss has been clean and sober for 7 years. As a single parent, Rachel has raised 3 children: Vernon, Ruby, and Gabriel.

"I cannot judge anyone; I just feel quality of life is greatly because of abstinence. Alcohol is the norm in so many people's life. We still not evolved to accept alcohol, just as refined sugar," commented Coss to the Native News Network on Tuesday afternoon.

This year the 44 year old Coss will receive a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration Management Concentration and Accounting Concentration with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Southern Oregon University. 2012 marks her 12th year of employment at the Klamath Tribes where she currently works for the Natural Resources Department as the Office Manager at the Research Station.

Coss says "She will do her best to represent her tribe with dignity and respect."

posted January 11, 2011 11:59 am est